The Siena Palio is certainly a unique horse race held each year in Piazza del Campo, at the very heart of Siena
Historical records date it back to the fourteenth century Ancient legend narrates a fascinating story about the foundation of Siena and how Senus and Aschius, sons of Remus - killed by his twin brother Romulus - fled Rome fearing for their lives to the north reaching a village of Etruscan origins sitting on three hills.
Word has it that along with typical Roman customs and traditions, Senus and Aschius also introduced the Roman lifestyle with competitive games, the prelude to the modern Palio of Siena.
Palio is a word derived from the latin word pallium which means cloth. In fact a banner of precious fabric is the prize awarded to the winner of the Palio. So the word Palio represents not only the horse race, but also the prize awarded to the winner.
Competition peaks during the Palio of Siena as 10 out of the existing 17 contrade face each other 2 times every near. The Contrade are a sort of district into which the city is divided: in origin there were an estimated 80 districts populating this territory of Tuscany but the great plague of the 1300s halved them to 42. The contrade were further reduced to 17 by Violanta di Baviera in 1729, a major decision by the government of that time. The number of contrade remained unaltered since then and remains unvaried to this day.
In 1555 Siena was defeated in the war against Florence. Florence was determined in the elimination of all military aggregations in Siena but did allow continuity in traditions and use of ancient coat of arms.
The succumbence to Florence triggered integration and a sense of brotherhood which was reflected on the already existing Palio transformed from a traditional horse race into a city centric event to be held within the city walls and at the very heart of the city.
The 17 contrade are Aquila (Eagle), Bruco (Caterpillar), Chiocciola (Snail), Civetta (Little Owl), Drago (Dragon), Giraffa (Giraffe), Istrice (Crested Porcupine), Leocorno (Unicorn), Lupa (She-Wolf), Oca (Goose), Onda (Wave), Pantera (Panther), Selva (Forest), Tartuca (Tortoise), Torre (Tower), Valdimontone (Valley of the Ram).
The Contrade everlastingly competing set Siena apart from other cities in Tuscany. Affiliation to a contrada is easily identified everywhere in Siena due to the numerous flags and coats of arms on display at every corner.
Knowing the history of the Palio helps visitors understand the relevance of this event to residents and is a confirmation that it is not just another tourist attraction.
The number of contrade is 17 but the race is a competition limited to 10:
The Palio of Siena Takes Place Twice a Year in July and August
On July 2nd and August the 16th in Piazza del Campo 10 of the 17 contrade compete for victory, leaving the remaining 7 to compete in the future edition of the horse race the year after. The 3 available positions are filled by a sort of lottery called ESTRAZIONE which takes place 1 month before each race to select the 3 remaining contrade which will participate in the Palio races.
Insights on the Palio de Siena
It is tradition to initiate and welcome new born children into the community with an initiation where the new born is given a personal scarf with coat of arms which will accompany the individual throughout life. This initiation is referred to as the battesimo contradaiolo
Contrade feature an organization similar to a local government with an appointed leader called Priore which in turn is assisted by a Capitano and 3 assistants called Mangini.
All the contrade except Bruco, Drago, Giraffa and Selva, have an enemy (the bordering contrada).
The winner of the Palio di Siena take home the CENCIO, a hand decorated banner painted by an artist in honor of the VIrgin Mary
Tips on how to see the Palio di Siena
Rehearsal in Piazza del Campo is open to all so that's a great opportunity to see how things are organized. There is no admittance fee to attend the Palio from within Piazza del Campo. If you are seeking a seat be prepared to pay in excess of Euro 250,00 per seat - this is the absolute minimum pricing for a seat at the Palio.
The excitement in Siena electrifies the atmosphere in the weeks that precede the Palio adventure, starting with the blessing of the designated horses onto the procession of the contrade in ancient historical costumes all leading up this unique horse race.
http://www.ilpalio.org/palioenglish.htm is the official Palio di Siena 2011 event website to stay informed and up to date
Historical records date it back to the fourteenth century Ancient legend narrates a fascinating story about the foundation of Siena and how Senus and Aschius, sons of Remus - killed by his twin brother Romulus - fled Rome fearing for their lives to the north reaching a village of Etruscan origins sitting on three hills.
Word has it that along with typical Roman customs and traditions, Senus and Aschius also introduced the Roman lifestyle with competitive games, the prelude to the modern Palio of Siena.
Palio is a word derived from the latin word pallium which means cloth. In fact a banner of precious fabric is the prize awarded to the winner of the Palio. So the word Palio represents not only the horse race, but also the prize awarded to the winner.
Competition peaks during the Palio of Siena as 10 out of the existing 17 contrade face each other 2 times every near. The Contrade are a sort of district into which the city is divided: in origin there were an estimated 80 districts populating this territory of Tuscany but the great plague of the 1300s halved them to 42. The contrade were further reduced to 17 by Violanta di Baviera in 1729, a major decision by the government of that time. The number of contrade remained unaltered since then and remains unvaried to this day.
In 1555 Siena was defeated in the war against Florence. Florence was determined in the elimination of all military aggregations in Siena but did allow continuity in traditions and use of ancient coat of arms.
The succumbence to Florence triggered integration and a sense of brotherhood which was reflected on the already existing Palio transformed from a traditional horse race into a city centric event to be held within the city walls and at the very heart of the city.
The 17 contrade are Aquila (Eagle), Bruco (Caterpillar), Chiocciola (Snail), Civetta (Little Owl), Drago (Dragon), Giraffa (Giraffe), Istrice (Crested Porcupine), Leocorno (Unicorn), Lupa (She-Wolf), Oca (Goose), Onda (Wave), Pantera (Panther), Selva (Forest), Tartuca (Tortoise), Torre (Tower), Valdimontone (Valley of the Ram).
The Contrade everlastingly competing set Siena apart from other cities in Tuscany. Affiliation to a contrada is easily identified everywhere in Siena due to the numerous flags and coats of arms on display at every corner.
Knowing the history of the Palio helps visitors understand the relevance of this event to residents and is a confirmation that it is not just another tourist attraction.
The number of contrade is 17 but the race is a competition limited to 10:
The Palio of Siena Takes Place Twice a Year in July and August
On July 2nd and August the 16th in Piazza del Campo 10 of the 17 contrade compete for victory, leaving the remaining 7 to compete in the future edition of the horse race the year after. The 3 available positions are filled by a sort of lottery called ESTRAZIONE which takes place 1 month before each race to select the 3 remaining contrade which will participate in the Palio races.
Insights on the Palio de Siena
It is tradition to initiate and welcome new born children into the community with an initiation where the new born is given a personal scarf with coat of arms which will accompany the individual throughout life. This initiation is referred to as the battesimo contradaiolo
Contrade feature an organization similar to a local government with an appointed leader called Priore which in turn is assisted by a Capitano and 3 assistants called Mangini.
All the contrade except Bruco, Drago, Giraffa and Selva, have an enemy (the bordering contrada).
The winner of the Palio di Siena take home the CENCIO, a hand decorated banner painted by an artist in honor of the VIrgin Mary
Tips on how to see the Palio di Siena
Rehearsal in Piazza del Campo is open to all so that's a great opportunity to see how things are organized. There is no admittance fee to attend the Palio from within Piazza del Campo. If you are seeking a seat be prepared to pay in excess of Euro 250,00 per seat - this is the absolute minimum pricing for a seat at the Palio.
The excitement in Siena electrifies the atmosphere in the weeks that precede the Palio adventure, starting with the blessing of the designated horses onto the procession of the contrade in ancient historical costumes all leading up this unique horse race.
http://www.ilpalio.org/palioenglish.htm is the official Palio di Siena 2011 event website to stay informed and up to date
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This information on the Palio di Siena has been written by the Siena INNs group, quality hotels in Siena. For the most competitive ratesand early booking savings visit the 4 star Luxury Garden Hotel now!
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